West Virginia United Health System Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Health Secretary Joining W.Va. United Health System

West Virginia Health and Human Resources Secretary Karen Bowling has been appointed to a post with West Virginia United Health System.

West Virginia University announced Bowling will be vice president of care delivery transformation. A news release said she will be responsible for leading transformation of the system’s model to one that is largely outcome- or risk-based.

CEO and President Albert Wright Jr. said the idea is to help people stay healthy with new ways of delivering and managing care.

Bowling has been secretary of health and human resources since July 2013.

Gov.-elect Jim Justice last week named Bill Crouch to succeed Bowling as secretary.

State Approves Reynolds Memorial Hospital Acquisition

The West Virginia Health Care Authority has approved West Virginia United Health System’s $15 million acquisition of Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glen Dale.

The Intelligencer reports Reynolds officials announced in February that a letter of intent had been issued to join the Morgantown-based health system. The hospital and the health system signed a management agreement that took effect Feb. 26.

Now, the acquisition is approved.

Reynolds CEO Dr. Davis Hess says the change will ensure the health of the community and of the 90-bed acute care facility.

The West Virginia United Health System, anchored by Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, is a statewide health system including seven hospitals with 1,450 licensed beds, 12,000 employees, 900 active medical staff and 18 related organizations.

Buckhannon Hospital's Transfer to Health System Completed

St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon has joined West Virginia’s largest health care system.

Multiple media outlets report that the hospital’s transfer from the Pallottine Missionary Sisters to West Virginia United Health System was completed on Tuesday.

West Virginia United Health System president and CEO Christopher Colenda says St. Joseph’s patients will have easier access to clinical resources available through WVU Medicine.